Beat the Summer Heat and High Electric bills

Summer is here! But with this summer’s extreme heat, I’m sure I’ll be looking at some pretty high electric bills. But with some online research, I have found a few helpful hints to lower that cost.

• Keep blinds or shades closed.
  When open, the sun can really heat up a room. Turn off the lights. They add heat, just like sunlight does.
• Use Energy Saver Option on Air Conditioner
  When you are not at home, use the energy saver option on your air conditioner rather than turning it off. The energy saver will keep your house at a cool temperature. If you turn off your air conditioner the temperature in your house will rise, and when you turn the unit back on it will need to work harder to cool your house down again, in turn rising your electric bill.
• Air Conditioner Maintenance/Filters
  Proper maintenance of your air conditioning can ensure that your system will operate at its optimal efficiency level. The more efficiently it runs the less energy/money you waste. Proper maintenance can also prevent many small problems from becoming big, expensive ones later. In addition, change your air filters monthly. A dirty air filter can cost you money because it blocks the air flow, or a broken air compressor, can cause your unit to work harder to push cool air through your home. A clean air filter will save you money on energy costs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
• Learn to live without air conditioning.
  A ceiling fan will keep you somewhat comfortable, until the temperature really rises. Even more cost-saving, consider using a hand-held paper fan that uses no electricity.
• Open the windows for a cool breeze and turn the thermostats off.
  If its hot during the night sleep with the windows open. It feels so great to have a nice cool breeze going while your sleeping.
• Leave the house
  It’s summer: go to the beach, etc. When you do go, make sure everything is off and unplugged (well not everything) but you get the point.

Saving money on your electric bill is easy when you know where to make cuts. There are some simple and cost-effective ways to reduce your energy use during the summer months. You can drastically reduce your energy bill during the hot summer months by limiting your air conditioner use, installing thermal drapes and using fans to maximize the ventilation in your home. A high electric bill can be a source of great stress for many struggling consumers. This summer, don’t fret over a costly energy bill and find ways to reduce your bill instead.